Wire Network Troubles

[Swede109]

Hello
I have a wire network using a Linksys router with three desktop computers all running XP Home. The network has been working great for some time.
The oldest machine, a Dell 4400, started acting up so I reformatted it.
Now after formatting the Dell 4400 cant connect to the internet. As part of the troubleshooting process I wanted to open 'ipconfig' to check IPs. When I click OK, the black window comes up for a split second and vanishes. I tried 'ipconfig / renew *local*' and it also vanishes.
This one is new to me, if someone can help with this one I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.

 

[jmwills]

With a Dell, you may have to install the chipset Drivers then the ethernet drivers.
Does the Device manager show any yellow excalmation marks?

 

[TerryNet]

Welcome, Swede109.

You can read at your leisure if you open a command window before typing ipconfig.

Start - Run - cmd (or Command in older OS) - OK
ipconfig /all

Jmwills probably pinpointed your problem. If you don't have the Dell Drivers CD, you should be able to get the proper drivers from Dell's website (with a working computer).

 

[Swede109]

Thanks Guys.. Yep, forgot that I have to do 'cmd' first to get there... I got the info.

No, there are no yellow question marks in Device Mgr.. So may I assume that the drivers didn't go away with the reformat and are still functioning? Device Mgr says the network card is working properly.
Intel(R) PRO/100+PCI Adapter

Now let me ask this.. During the re-install process, when I got to the place where you fill in the blanks for IP address, sudnet mask, def gate etc, or, check find automatically, I chose find automatically.
Do I have to fill this in now somewhere?
Thanks.

 

[Swede109]

Hey Guys I got it working.. I remembered how to fill in the blanks in ..
Local Area Connection Properties
Internet Protocol [TCP/IP]
check Use the following IP address

Using the info I got from ipconfig..

Now, the question I have is.. What order do I install everything?
The version of XP that came with this computer, early 2001, didn't come with SP2.
Should I install SP2 before I install Mcafee or does it matter?
Any other considerations I should know about?
Thanks again.